Minutes later they arrived at one of the most prestigious restaurants in town. Gina was still scowling at the fact that Knox had literally dragged her there but she didn't say a word to him. Seeing that it was a spot for the rich, the paparazzi was ready and waiting to get a shot of something or someone who would make the morning paper.

    The chauffeur opened the door and Knox exited, waiting to take Gina's hand as he caught sight of a few journalists ready to take their pictures. Gina got out and realized that the crowd grew more frantic at the sight of her. She smiled and approached Knox who gave her a warning stare.

      "Please don't make a scene," he whispered in her ear before he smile.

A plan formulated in Gina's head in that instant. "Promise me something then."

Knox's jaw flexed. "What?" he ground out tightly.

      "You'll give me my car back."

Knox stood wordlessly for a moment, watching the devious smile that played against her lips.
  "Fine."

     "And—"

       "Don't get ahead of yourself now sugar lips, that's all."

     "Don't call me that," Gina grumbled before walking off.

The inside of the restaurant was beautiful. Air conditioned and spacious with an atmosphere to get one in the right mood.

     "How did you manage to get us here without a reservation anyway?" Gina asked as Knox pulled out a chair for her.

     He took a seat and smiled before answering. "I think I have a few privileges seeing that I'm the boss," he boasted, causing Gina's eyes to widen.

      "What?"

      "You're looking at the new owner of The Palladium."

Gina, having recovered from her shock, glanced down at the utensils on the table, refusing to give Knox any sort of praise he might've been expecting.

      "So you're here to basically buy out everyone?" she said flatly.

Knox shrugged. "Only to those offering," he clarified, his eyes moving over to the waiter that headed their way. He picked up the menu and began surveying the dishes.

The waiter came and smiled. "Hello, welcome, have you decided on what you'd like to have?"

Gina looked up at the attractive young man. "I'll have a glass of wine, please."

He nodded, turning to Knox. "Sir?"

      "Don't you think it's a bit early for wine?" Knox asked, ignoring the waiter.

      "No I don't," she offered with a tight smile.

He briefly shifted his gaze to the man. "Stake – medium rare, potato salad and orange juice please."

The waiter once again left Knox and Gina to their company, Gina finding her phone as a more suitable companion as she texted away quietly.

Knox held back his protest, instead asking, "What did you major in at college Gina?"

Gina looked up. "What does it matter?"

    "I'd just like to know a bit more about you, that's all."

Clearing her throat, Gina replied nonchalantly, "I have a bachelor's degree in public relations and communications."

Knox's brow rose. "Really?"

Gina put her phone down and stared at him. "Yes really. I did just fine after you left Knox," she grounded out maliciously.

But she was lying; that wasn't the case. Not only was she a heartbroken mess, but she also lacked concentration when it came on to her studies. After a few counseling sessions funded by her parents, Gina was able to partially get her mind off her heartbreak. The multiple tutors and extra classes had been a struggle but in the end, she persevered, no thanks to Knox. It was during that time did Gina also decided to be a much greater wildling.

    "Well I'm proud."

Gina swallowed. "What is this Knox?"

   "What is what?"

     "This..." she gestured, pointing a finger at Knox and herself.

     "A married couple having lunch."

Gina rolled her eyes and slightly slouched. "Oh please."

    "Gina I'm trying here."

    "Trying to do what?"

     "Make things right – make amends."

Gina scoffed, shaking her head before she leveled her gaze on Knox. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

  "Wh—"

    "You basically forced me into marrying you after returning after five years. You pose threats and you expect me to comply to your ridiculous demands when you never once apologised for the things you did. You left without a word and then you sent me an invite to your fucking wedding – who the hell does that?!" Gina exclaimed, breathing heavily as the hurtful reminders came rushing back.

   "Gina, I didn't send you an invite –"

    Gina scoffed. "After everything I fûcking said, that's all you have to say to me — you didn't send me an invite." Reaching for her purse, she stopped when Knox grabbed her arm, preventing her from moving.

  Knox's lips began to move but no words were produced because it seemed he was momentarily paralyzed by the glistening tears in Gina's eyes – tears seemingly waiting for another hurtful word to fall. Knox refrained from saying anything because he didn't want to see her tears – he didn't want to be the cause of them even though he knew he was.

     "I– I fuçked up, I admit that but I'm here now – I'm trying to make things right."

Gina pulled her hand from his. "Well you have a pretty fûcked up was of showing it." Shoving the chair back, it scraped against the floor, creating an ear piercing noise that had the other diners looking.

Knox sighed resignedly as he watched her leave, muttering a string of curses, suddenly losing his appetite.

______________

Gina walked out of the restaurant with a heavy heart, using her hand to bar off the flashing camera lights. She ignored the distant questions and the repeated calling of her name as she made her way to the car, the chauffeur quickly opening for her. Gina released a sigh when she was inside, mustering within herself as much courage as she could so as to not cry.

But when Knox came in, her tears were even harder to contain than she'd thought. She turned to the window to stare at nothing in particular but it was better than looking in Knox's direction.

      "Gina." She closed her eyes tight, not wanting to hear any thing that he had to say. But knowing he was going to talk anyway, she opened the door and left, thinking she'd rather walk through a sea of paparazzi than be in the same space with Knox.

     "Gina! Gina! What's the relationship like between you and Warner?"

      "Is the marriage real?"

Gina ignored and dialled Jamie's number, sending a quick text before she disappeared into a store, sighing heavily.

        Jamie came just when Gina thought he had changed his mind about picking her up. She stood upon seeing him and sent him a flat stare at which he chuckled.

      "Still playing the runaway, sis?" Jamie asked, a slanted smile on his face.

     "Just as long as you remain my hero."

     "Always," he reassured. "Hungry? I know a nice spot away from these scavengers."

Gina sighed. "Sure."

They drove silently to a little café on the outskirts of town. Silent and away from media attention although Gina was sure her family was recognizable anywhere.

     "So what's up? You don't look too chipper," Jamie acknowledged, his forehead wrinkling with worry.

     "And what do you think is the cause?" she asked, using her fork to play with the slice of  chocolate cake she had ordered.

    "You mean whom?"

Gina raised a brow as an evident indication.

Jamie scratched the back of his head. "I can't really say I'm a fan of Warner and ignore all the things he did to you. But I do know whatever feelings you both have for each other is still there."

Gina dropped her fork. "Are you serious? I hate the guy, you know that Jamie!" she blasted in outrage.

Jamie grinned. "If you say so," he said while taking a bite of his Burger.

      "I mean it!" she convicted firmly. "Five years! Five fuçking years without a word and he wants to walk back into my life and claim me like I'm a fuçking prize."

   Jamie swallowed and took a gulp of his milkshake. "Sis, some men aren't that expressive with feelings. Some of us can't really say we're sorry but we do things to indicate that we are," he shrugged.

Gina sent him a flat stare. "And what has Knox done to indicate such a thing. Am I the only one who sees how messed up he is?!"

    "All I'm saying is, give him a chance and see where this goes because holding onto grudges and pretending to hate him will only make your life miserable."

      "I'm not forgiving him Jamie – at least not yet anyway. I've hurt too  much because of him and some how that doesn't seem to matter to anyone but me."

   "Your happiness matters a great deal to be, don't ever doubt that and I'm not saying you should forgive the guy, but give it  time." Reaching across the table, Jamie reached for his sister's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Gina smiled. "Fine."

     "By the way what do you think of me asking Sally to marry me?" Jamie beamed, eagerly awaiting Gina's answer.

Her mouth fell open in shock. "Shit, bro that's huge. I think that's a great idea!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

Jamie was grinning. "I'm nervous as fuçk and I know Sal isn't into grand gestures so I plan on making it simple. What do you think?"

Gina smiled. "I think you know your lady, bro. Sal will be stoked."

Jamie was genuinely happy. "And don't you worry sis. You're happily ever is just around the corner."

Gina smiled, hoping that were true but she highly doubted it.

Author's note:

Thoughts?
What do you guys think of Knox's effort?